U.S. Embassy in Israel to move to Jerusalem by end of 2019: Pence

JERUSALEM (Reuters) – The U.S. Embassy in Israel will move to Jerusalem by the end of 2019, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said in a speech to the Israeli parliament on Monday that highlighted a policy shift that has stoked Palestinian anger and international concern.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence speaks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s office in Jerusalem January 22, 2018. REUTERS/Ariel Schalit/Pool

President Donald Trump last month recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and said he would move the U.S. Embassy there – dismaying Palestinians who claim the eastern part of the city and angering Arab states across the region.

“In the weeks ahead, our administration will advance its plan to open the United States Embassy in Jerusalem – and that United States Embassy will open before the end of next year,” Pence said.

“Jerusalem is Israel’s capital – and, as such, President Trump has directed the State Department to immediately begin preparations to move the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.”